Key Facts
• July 7: Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City held a second press conference.
• Announced resignation and intention to run in a re-election for mayor.
• Allegations surfaced regarding her claim of graduating from Toyo University.
• Takubo admitted she was expelled on March 31, 1992, not a graduate.
• Submitted “graduation certificate” and related documents to Shizuoka prosecutors.
• City council unanimously approved a resolution urging her resignation.
• Citizens filed a criminal complaint for violating election law by false claims.
• Takubo plans to resign shortly and seek public judgment in a new election.
• Questions remain about the authenticity of her “graduation certificate.”
• Press conference lasted approximately one hour, leaving issues unresolved.
Summary
Maki Takubo, the mayor of Ito City, announced her resignation amid allegations of academic fraud. She admitted to being expelled from Toyo University in 1992, despite previously claiming to have graduated. Takubo submitted her “graduation certificate” to prosecutors for investigation, but its authenticity remains unclear. The city council unanimously passed a resolution urging her resignation, and citizens have filed a criminal complaint, citing election law violations. Takubo plans to run in a re-election to seek public judgment. The press conference, lasting one hour, left many questions unanswered, including the circumstances surrounding her expulsion and the origins of the certificate.
